Chapter 11
Joan had been feeling slightly guilty, as Louisa's due date grew closer, of Martin's behaviours. Hence why she and Louisa were now nicely tucking into the Sunday dinner she promised to prepare. Louisa never wanted anybody to go to any trouble for her, but she and Joan always loved spending time together. Louisa squeezed down the last of her meal before sighing heavily and relaxing back on to the sofa, 'Oh that was beautiful, Joan. Thank you!' To which she was now cursing herself for eating it so quickly; she could feel a pang of indigestion coming her way but rested her head back. She was so grateful to Joan, not just for this meal or for offering help with the baby but for everything. Everything this kind woman had done for her throughout her life; and she was pleased that she would be a part of her baby's life also. They had agreed earlier that the baby would call her 'Nanny Joan'. They both loved the idea.
Joan was dying to speak to her about Martin; he had called her earlier that day to ask to spend his final night in Cornwall with her at the farm. So, she knew something had occurred. She just wasn't sure what. They appeared to be getting on so well and she was beginning to feel hopeful for them, but then she had that phonecall? Joan did hate the fact that lately, every conversation between her and Louisa seemed to end up about Martin but with the baby being so close to arriving, nobody had time to beat about the bush, or avoid discussing things.
'So, Martin will be staying with me tonight.'
Louisa played with her watch, avoiding eye contact. 'Oh.'
'Another bust up?'
Louisa didn't really know what to say and felt uncomfortable, Joan could see this.
'Look, Louisa. I'm not trying to pry or interfere or anything of the sort…..' she went to hold Louisa's hand and looked at her straight in the eye '…..I just want you to know that, it really doesn't matter what Martin does- everything will be ok. You will be ok and the baby will certainly be ok. You've always got us.'
Louisa was so thankful and could feel her bottom lip quivering. Blimey! She thought, she had never before cried this much in her life. These last few weeks really had been tough on her emotions. She looked down at her now, enormous tummy.
'I know, I just…..I just feel sorry for Martin. There will always be jobs for surgeons, all over the country; there won't always be a chance to be a parent for the first time.'
Joan just looked at her. What could she say to that? She was completely right. Joan knew it, Louisa knew it and Martin knew it! Joan really had no idea what was going on in that mind of his. Later, she would have one of her 'talks' with him but for now, she wanted to give Louisa some peace and quiet. And just as she and Louisa gave each other a 'goodnight' hug, Louisa pulled a face and took a sharp intake of breath. 'Oooh. Awch.'
'What? What is it? What's wrong? Sit down!' Joan worried and fussed.
'Oh, I'm fine. Indigestion!' Louisa laughed 'You get on, Joan. And thanks again for that beautiful dinner!'
Joan was a bit reluctant to leave her, but she did so, and Louisa decided to get an early night. She didn't know what time Martin would be calling for his things and he had a key still, so she didn't worry too much. She made her way slowly up the stairs and just couldn't wait to put her pyjamas on. She bent over to reach them and again, was completely blown away by yet another cramp in her tummy. This one completely took the wind from her sails and had to spend a few minutes catching her breath. 'Oh, that hurt, what are you up to in there?' she said and rubbed her tummy.
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10.20pm and Louisa squinted to see the time. Martin still hadn't called by, maybe he wasn't going to. She rolled on to her side and wondered where he might be. Would he still be meeting with his mentor? Or maybe he was already on his way to Edinburgh? There was nothing to keep him in Cornwall now after all. She rolled over to her other side and that's when, without a doubt, it started. A contraction! She pulled herself up the bed and practiced her steady breathing, her eyes wide open. 'Awch. Awch!'
It passed and she wanted to keep herself as calm as possible. Maybe that wasn't a contraction? Just indigestion. It was too early for the baby to come anyway- she did have over 2 weeks left to go. 'Yeah, just indigestion' she said to herself. She tried to settle to sleep but failed and a few minutes later, got up from bed to use the bathroom. Labour had begun; Her waters broke the second she stood up and she couldn't believe it.
She was so nervous and frightened. 'Oh dear' she flustered around the bedroom for a minute. Should she call the midwife now? Or an ambulance or maybe Joan? No. She knew who she wanted to call, and who she wanted to be by her side.
XXX
Arnold Barrett looked terribly nervous and held on for dear life as Martin flew tore through the narrow Cornish lanes. Martin didn't so much as flinch as he put his foot on the pedal. Inside, he was terrified. He was driving himself and Arnold to Portwenn and had no idea what awaited him. He had to get to Louisa as soon as physically possible; what if something was going wrong? How much pain was she in? Who on earth was going to deliver it? What if there were complications?
'Martin. Martin. ELLINGHAM! You're doing almost 90mph! You'll be no good to Miss Gerrard if you turn up in a coffin!'
'MISS GLASSON'.
'Calm yourself. It might not even be labour.'
'Shut up.'
As Martin tore through the front door, he shouted Louisa's name. Arnold was right behind him, both running like two lost lambs.
'Louisa!' Martin could see the relief on her face as he barged into her bedroom, but his stomach did lurch a little at seeing Louisa in this much pain. She was as red as a cherry and trying her best to breathe steadily.
She was relieved to see him as she paced around the room. She was 100% in labour now and in a lot of pain. She was flustered and nervous as any other new mum, but this was happening all so quickly.
'Oh Martin! Come here!' and without a second thought, she grabbed the front of his suit, tugging at it, as if it could provide some sort of relief.
'Louisa, have you phoned an ambulance?' Martin asked, equally as flustered and panicked as Louisa. Neither of them could really believe that the time had come.
'No. I don't want an ambulance. I don't want the midwife. I want you. God knows why!' she grimaced and rubbed her tummy.
Arnold gave Martin a look, 'I don't think there's any time for that, Ellingham. I can see a head!'